Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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548. To ask the Minister for Health if prescription charges are applicable to those living in Ireland, and who hold a UK pension, in view of the fact that the UK National Health Service covers the healthcare costs of those who hold a UK pension but live outside of the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53741/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The Health Act 1970 (as amended) provides for two categories of eligibility for all persons ordinarily resident in the State, i.e. full eligibility (medical card) and limited eligibility (all others). Full eligibility is determined mainly by reference to income limits and is granted to persons who, in the opinion of the Health Service Executive (HSE), are unable to provide general practitioner, medical and surgical services to persons and themselves and their dependants without undue hardship. There is a provision for discretion to grant a card in cases of “undue hardship” where the income guidelines are exceeded.

Persons living in Ireland who are receiving a social security payment from another European Union/European Economic Area country or Switzerland, and are not liable to contribute to the Irish Social Welfare System or are not in receipt of an Irish Social Welfare Payment, may be granted a medical card under the provisions of EU Regulations.

Persons with full eligibility (medical card holders) are entitled to prescribed drugs and medicines subject to a €2.50 charge per prescribed item (maximum charge of €25.00 per month). There is no exemption from prescription charges in the case of persons granted full eligibility under EU regulations.